A FAMOUS Southport pub is celebrating after it received a rave review in a national newspaper.

The Lakeside Inn, on the Promenade, was praised by the Daily Telegraph for the quality of its draught beer and its “spotless” appearance, with the reviewer also keen to press the much-loved drinking establishment’s claim to be the smallest public house in Britain.

The review came as a complete surprise to landlord Joe Anderson, who runs the pub with his wife Jan.

“I knew nothing about the review at all and it was only when one of our regulars who comes all the way from Altrincham mentioned it to me that I was even aware we had got such a good write-up,” said Joe.

“To get exposure in a national newspaper like this is brilliant, but it is a real mystery as to how the reviewer knew everything he did about us.

“But I am glad he did, whoever he talked to!”

Joe is especially proud that the Telegraph paid special attention to the Lakeside’s real ale selection, with the paper saying that “the Fuller’s London Pride and Wells Bombardier are kept with love and devotion in absolutely prime condition.”

He said: “I have worked with brewers for a long time and have lots of experience of keeping a good cellar.

“CAMRA [the Campaign for Real Ale] are always nominating us for awards and last year we won Real Ale Pub of the Year.”

As for the secret of his success, Joe is a big fan of keeping things simple.

“For me, a pub is a pub,” said Joe.

“We do not have a TV or fruit machines, because you should go to the pub to have a conversation and I worry that is dying.”

Despite being 77 years old and undergoing a recent quadruple heart bypass, Joe has no plans to retire.

He explained: “I intend to go on and, anyway, I am governed by my wife and she loves working here.”